WORLD-FAMOUS magician Dynamo is backing Bradford’s bid to host the Great Exhibition of the North in summer 2018.

The illusionist, real name Steven Frayne, grew up on the city’s Delph Hill estate, and great-grandfather taught him how to perform illusions at the age of seven to help deter bullies.

“Bradford has undergone a huge amount of change over the past few years and become an incredibly vibrant, multicultural city,” he said.

“The people and culture of Bradford have always been a huge inspiration to me in my career, and I can’t think of a more magical place to host The Great Exhibition of the North than my hometown.”

Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council leader, said: “Dynamo has a truly inspiring life story and we are very proud of his international success as an A-list performer who celebrates his northern roots.

“It is wonderful to have backing of Dynamo, and we agree wholeheartedly with him that there is no place as magical as Bradford.”